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Weight

154-200 lbs

Height

Male: 25-30; Female: 22-26 inches

Color(s)

Yellow, fawn, brown, russet; all shades of brindle.

Overview

The South African Boerboel is the only South African dog specifically bred for guarding and protecting without being aggressive. Dating back to 1652, this breed is a descendant of the Boer dog. In the 20th century, the Boerboel was nearly extinct. They were revived, and are steadily gaining in worldwide popularity with dogs being exported and bred in Australia, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, Russia, and the U.S.A.

Character

This powerful and large breed possesses an even character and keen intuition. It is the keen intuition that enables the South African Boerboel to sense what their human companion is thinking and feeling. They are intelligent, strong, muscular, imposing, and impressive.

Temperament

The South African Boerboel is not recommended for inexperienced or first time dog owners. This breed will do okay with other dogs, cats, and other household pets. They are calm, loving, intelligent, and obedient. They are extremely affectionate with children and make excellent playmates. The South African Boerboel is fearless, confident, and highly protective of their family, home, and territory. This breed is sensitive and will only act aggressively upon danger if they detect hostile intentions or are asked to do so.

Care

The South African Boerboel requires regular brushing to remove loose and dead hair. Bathing should be done when necessary. This breed has no health issues due to careful and selective breeding.

Coat

The South African Boerboel's coat is smooth, dense, and short. This breed is an average shedder.

Training

The South African Boerboel requires a dominant owner. Obedience training is absolutely crucial. This breed will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. South African Boerboel's require respect, firmness, and consistency.

Activity

The South African Boerboel breed is not recommended for apartment living. They do best with a large securely fenced yard. They should never be left alone or unsupervised when outside. The South African Boerboel thrives on family play time and securely leashed walks.

Ownership

Help reduce the number of South African Boerboel puppies in shelters by doing your due diligence. Many puppies are often purchased with little or no knowledge of what goes into parenting one. Uneducated decisions often leave the puppy in need of adoption and in the care of rescue groups. Bringing home a puppy into your family has many benefits but we first implore you to educate yourself. An informed decision will take into account the characteristics of the breed, your lifestyle, expected veterinary care, the demands and limitations of owning one, their activity requirements and levels of companionship required.

Characteristics

Size:

Grooming Needs:

Exercise Needs:

Good With Dogs:

Watchdog Ability:

Featured South African Boerboel Breeder

KING OF THE CAGES KENNELSMember Since: June 2007Location: Columbus, Ohio

WE ARE A SMALL KENNEL BREEDING FOR THE LOVING COMPANION, LOYAL GUARDIAN, AND BEST FRIEND YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. WE BREED FOR QUALITY NOT QUANTITY! CALL FOR INFO OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR UPCOMING BOERBOLES BREEDINGS.

Ask a QuestionAbout South African Boerboels

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I have an 11 month South African Boerboel and he is still not house trained. I have tried my best to train him based on treats and awards, but its just getting worst.

1 Comment

Anonymous

Wow, I have never heard of a dog so old not being house trained yet. Okay, so this means you need to start from scratch. First things first, is to take your dog to the vet for a check up. Dogs at this age should be house trained, so a medical problem may be the reason why your dog isn't. If your dog comes back with a clean bill of health, it is time to set your dog up for success not failure. When you are home with the dog, the dog must be tethered to you at all times with a leash. Set a timer for every 2 hours and take your dog outside, if he uses the bathroom outside, praise and reward him. When you are not home, crate your dog or have him outside so that he does not have the ability to use the bathroom inside the house. Using this method, I was able to house train my dogs in 3 - 5 days as 8 week old puppies, so it should work for your boy. Good luck!3/9/2015 9:11:40 AM

Anonymous asked:

6/22/2014 8:35:56 PM

6/22/2014 8:35:56 PM

My South African Boerboel is attacking my other 2 dogs I got my South African Boerboel when she was 4 months old, I had 2 other dogs one was 11 and the other 4. When she was 1 she started attacking the older dog, she almost killed her, now she is attacking the other dog, he is about 100 pounds, I don't know what to do.

2 Comments

Anonymous

You need to do the best thing for all the dogs involved. You made the choice to bring a new dog into the home and it is not working out. The dog has some sort of aggression issue and it's now time to choose. You can either keep the dogs separated at all times and work with an experienced behaviorist, try to find a new home for the dog, or put the dog down. Aggression should not be tolerated, but needs to be understood and managed. You, as an owner, need to be truthful with yourself and figure out how much time and money you have to be able to work with your dog. It is not fair to the other dogs in your home, or the 1 year old dog to allow her to be aggressive. A behaviorist will be able to figure out what type of aggression she is displaying, but unless you plan on working with her, you need to protect the other dog's in your home and other people's dogs by managing her correctly or having her put down.6/24/2014 9:40:49 AM

Anonymous

That is not typical for the breed. It sounds like your dog has a temperament issue, whether it's from poor breeding or maybe environmental reasons, regardless, if the dog cannot be turned around you should surrender it to rescue or have it humanely euthanized.
A normal Boerboel should respond to its owners commands and should not be aggressive to housemates.2/2/2015 10:49:34 AM

Anonymous asked:

12/5/2012 6:55:55 AM

12/5/2012 6:55:55 AM

Vaccination My puppies were born two days ago. When is the right time to vaccianate a Boerboel? thanks

2 Comments

Anonymous

Your vet will be able to tell you, but on average the first vaccination is done at 6 -7 weeks old.7/16/2014 3:27:36 PM

Anonymous

We give our puppies their first vaccination on 6weeks, then a booster on 8weeks before they go to their new owners and then they need another one at 12weeks, which is repeated once a year.1/14/2015 4:23:44 AM

Anonymous asked:

12/2/2012 9:31:47 PM

12/2/2012 9:31:47 PM

My 24 month b-b male whont go outside when he is told he sits and won't move he just started doing When he does go outside he does go to the bathroom but just to take him out for a walk he won't come out plus he acts scared at night when he is outside and tries to run home he is 155 pounds can some one tell me why

1 Comment

Anonymous

Your dog has fear issues from being socialized incorrectly. Contact your local Positive Reinforcement trainer. He/She will be able to help you with this situation.7/16/2014 3:28:21 PM

Anonymous asked:

11/29/2012 2:36:24 PM

11/29/2012 2:36:24 PM

Price How much does a South African dog cost?

1 Comment

Anonymous

you're very lucky if you get a nice one for $1,000. Usually they're between $1,000-$4,000.12/17/2012 12:58:07 PM

Anonymous asked:

11/11/2012 1:13:52 PM

11/11/2012 1:13:52 PM

My male South African Boerboel will not eat and is losing weight quickly. I removed him from... My male South African Boerboel will not eat and is losing weight quickly. I removed him from around my female pit bull that was in heat thinking this would help but he still will not eat no matter what I give him. Has anyone experienced this if so, what did you do? I took him to vet and he checks out as good no worms, no parasites please help.

1 Comment

Anonymous

This is common in male dogs. They are too distracted to eat and they expend extra energy feeling emotionally and physically excited. My "worst" stud has to come inside the house (females outside) and be hand fed fresh meat or canned food. Some males are so bad that they or their female's had to live at a friend's house or a boarding kennel for a few weeks. An idea: take your male for a car ride to anywhere else at least 5 miles away (so he can't smell her) and feed him there. Then come home after "dinner". Try to keep the female's scent out of the car. If you do take him or her anywhere- make sure you use a good leash and collar! Either one may try to bolt suddenly since they are not in their "right minds". Spaying your female will help in the future, but it won't change her scent much right now. Neutering your male might help a little in the future, but he may still be affected.11/15/2012 12:49:56 AM

Anonymous asked:

8/2/2012 5:16:50 PM

8/2/2012 5:16:50 PM

Do female South African Boerboels bite harder than males? Which one protects more than the... Do female South African Boerboels bite harder than males? Which one protects more than the other?

I have bought into a small buainess and my partner has 2 female boerboel pups now 4 months... I have bought into a small buainess and my partner has 2 female boerboel pups now 4 months old(sisters)who are very affectionate. They get excited when they see me me but always want to jump up on me. How do you discourage them from jumpimg up as obviously as they grow they could probably knock me over. I have never had a pet in my life!!! Please help. Thanks.

1 Comment

Anonymous

You might consider telling your boerboel a firm "NO!" with a scowl, not a yell but certainly not a whisper either, while you push it off. That's what I did with my dog and it worked. Don't push so hard that it hurts the dog, but so that it gets the dog's attention. 4/23/2012 9:13:35 PM

Anonymous asked:

3/14/2012 8:02:54 PM

3/14/2012 8:02:54 PM

what is the average weight of a boerboel at one year and what kind of growth rate can i expect... what is the average weight of a boerboel at one year and what kind of growth rate can i expect after that?

My Boerboel is 20 months. Starting at 1 year
he bit me. Since then he has bitten me several... My Boerboel is 20 months. Starting at 1 year
he bit me. Since then he has bitten me several times. All different situations. When I was petting him, giving him a treat, moved my arm on
the couch, opening the door. My husband has no
problems with him. I tried doing all the alpha things, only feeding him. No petting etc. Yesterday he bit me I was laying on the floor and he stood over me and was on my hair - I tryed to move and he bit my hand. At this point my husband and family want to get rid of him. I love him unconditionally. He only
displays this behavior at home. At dog parks he rolls on his back for complete strangers to pet him, yet I am not allowed. I love him so much. I trained him until he was a year old. Then I could no longer walk him. I play ball with him daily and my husband
takes him for long runs in the morning and
night. Please help I don't want to give him up. I know he loves me but, I am not Alpha I guess. thank you.

1 Comment

Anonymous

Maybe you should call Ceasar. I know he can help.
8/27/2012 12:14:30 AM

Anonymous asked:

1/16/2012 6:29:17 AM

1/16/2012 6:29:17 AM

My boerboel is four and a half months old and still sort of unsteady on his feet at times, he... My boerboel is four and a half months old and still sort of unsteady on his feet at times, he slips easily on the wooden floors and tiles in the house, at what age do they become steady on their feet

1 Comment

Anonymous

Its not good to have a pup slipping around on tiles like that.....your boerboel is still developing and could hurt himself....try and keep him on areas where he is less likely to slip around...they also develop differently...so it is difficult to say when he will find hs feet....but once he does then you will have a steady dog...2/28/2012 7:50:30 AM

Anonymous asked:

7/15/2011 4:04:07 PM

7/15/2011 4:04:07 PM

Can a South African Boerboel be trained and used for a seeing eye dog for the blind

2 Comments

Anonymous

Any dog can be trained for any disabilities. Civil code 54.2 states that there is no offical type of breed. You should look into that if you have any more questions. Oh and by law, there are only two legal questions a theme park, restaurant, no dogs allowed apartment, beach etc can ask if you bring in a service dog. 1-is this a service dog and 2- what tasks does the dog perform. They cannot ask your disability as it is personal information. Read the civl code for more information. I know this because my mom has a service dog in an apartment where dogs are not allowed but her dog is since she's a service dog. Service dogs rules are different. 12/5/2011 1:41:55 AM

Anonymous

Yes, they can. Someone from Canada bought a South African Boerboel pup from me and has successfully used it as a leader dog.2/2/2015 10:52:26 AM

Anonymous asked:

6/4/2011 4:07:01 PM

6/4/2011 4:07:01 PM

My question is how aggresive can South African Boerbol's be and if they feel hostile senses... My question is how aggresive can South African Boerbol's be and if they feel hostile senses from their owner will they retaliate?

2 Comments

Anonymous

I currently own a Boerboel who is relatively nonaggression. The only times he has ever been aggressive is when I try to take away something he is trying to eat that he isn't supposed to such as trash. I'm not sure about the other part of the question because we are not hostile toward our dog.6/19/2011 6:53:11 PM

Anonymous

Depends on how you bring them up.....boerboel's are naturally protective towards the family.....but being large dogs they can have dominance issues if not brought up correctly....they need to know from pup stages what the hierarchy in the family is...especially with male dogs2/28/2012 7:52:42 AM

Anonymous asked:

3/27/2011 2:41:33 PM

3/27/2011 2:41:33 PM

Are there any other breeds that are similar to the south african boerboel?

5 Comments

Anonymous

Bullmastiff4/5/2011 8:09:57 AM

Anonymous

Perro De Presa Canario, English Mastiff and French Mastiff5/6/2011 1:00:05 AM

Anonymous

I am not experienced with presa canarios but I can say my boerboel is not the same as an English Mastiff or bull mastiff. He is more intuitive and consistently puts his guard dog priorities first. I have aslo known English mastiffs to be less independent than the boerboel...and cuddlier but sometimes lazy. However I also believe my boerboel has been more difficult to train than an English mastiff. He is stubborn and proud...always challenging my authority. You MUST be the pack leader every minute of every day. Overall, there is no dog that compares to the Boerboel in my experience but Boerboels are not for everyone.5/21/2011 10:22:40 PM

Anonymous

I have a Presa Canario and a Boerboel. They are like the exact same dog ! Except my Presa drools more. They are both very friendly towords people im comfortable with and aggressive towords people im iffy about. They can tell whos good and whos bad.10/8/2011 3:59:05 PM

Anonymous

I have a 50/50 presa canario and boerboel puppy idk which breed she favors more but i can say this researching both breeds find them extremly similar and at this point she is one of the best behaved pups i have met!10/30/2012 12:25:39 PM

Anonymous asked:

2/27/2011 2:07:21 PM

2/27/2011 2:07:21 PM

This is my South African boerboel's first period. How long will she be on it?

1 Comment

Anonymous

well...the South African boerboel's first period lasts at least one month to a month and 1/2. not fun.5/4/2011 12:35:06 AM

Anonymous asked:

1/12/2011 12:58:15 PM

1/12/2011 12:58:15 PM

Do South African Boerboel's have a lot of slobber?

3 Comments

Anonymous

My boerboel does quite a bit, especially before/after eating or drinking. He tends to drool a lot for minutes after eating. He also slobbers a lot when "meeting" other dogs or people. Can't speak for the breed in general, however, I would consider mine to be an above average slobberer. 1/13/2011 1:21:35 PM

Anonymous

My South African Boerboel was the same, always drooling, especially when eating or playing5/24/2011 3:19:20 PM

Anonymous

What you are feeding your Boerboel, or any dog for that matter, will determine the amount of salivation. High quality food, particularly formulated for large breed dogs, will control drooling exceptionally well. I now have my third Boerboel (all non-neutered males)and I have absolutely no drooling issues, except when they are feel nausea. Also when very tired after strenuous exercise, then they may be a foamy around the mouth until they have had a nice bowl of water from the fridge.9/11/2012 8:26:29 AM

Anonymous asked:

1/9/2011 10:30:13 PM

1/9/2011 10:30:13 PM

I've done much research and i really like the south african boerboel breed, but I live in texas... I've done much research and i really like the south african boerboel breed, but I live in texas and cant find a place that has the breed. Can anyone help me out?

3 Comments

Anonymous

The Mastiff is easier to find, and they look very much the same and the size is the same.2/16/2011 11:17:40 AM

Anonymous

Google boerboels in Texas and you"ll find a list of breeders in the state, I will recommend breeders registered with the African or American boerboel association or both, they always offer premium bloodlines and health warranty.5/6/2011 1:07:05 AM

Anonymous

I bought mine in Houston 10/13/2011 4:15:55 PM

Anonymous asked:

1/2/2011 5:27:10 AM

1/2/2011 5:27:10 AM

Please can you tell me how to discourage our boerboel puppy from biting us - she has lots of... Please can you tell me how to discourage our boerboel puppy from biting us - she has lots of ropey toys and bones, but 'eats' our feet and legs continuously.

4 Comments

Anonymous

In my experience, any and all behavior problems can be eliminated with heavy excercise which the boerboel breed requires. I walk mine 3-4 miles a day, briskly (since about 3 mos./age) He could go all day, but 3-4 miles is enough to make him "gentle". This breed must know who's the boss early on without question, not likely to be accomplished without heavy excercise. 1/13/2011 1:34:19 PM

Anonymous

You have to respond with a firm "No" when your boerboel dog is nibbling, followed by some sort of discipline. Punishment could include sending him to a spot alone. Boerboels love to be around their owners. The breed requires a dominant owner. Also, a raw diet will curtail biting in general.3/18/2011 9:13:26 PM

Anonymous

Sounds like you need to learn how to be a Pack Leader for your puppy ! if you don"t learn it now, you"ll soon encounter problems, issues,liabilities etc.
Visit www.cesarsway.com and check the available dvd's set5/6/2011 1:16:41 AM

Anonymous

DO NOT walk your dog 3-4 miles at that early of an age, as that can cause joint problems in ANY large breed, especially one as big as this one. Start on this long activity only after 12 months old.1/20/2012 2:40:28 AM

Anonymous asked:

12/29/2010 1:37:19 AM

12/29/2010 1:37:19 AM

Would South African Boerboels be the kind of dog to shed everywhere so you couldnt let them on... Would South African Boerboels be the kind of dog to shed everywhere so you couldnt let them on the couch?

5 Comments

Anonymous

No you could let a South African Boerboel on the couch they only shed a little bit12/31/2010 8:25:31 AM

Anonymous

African boerboels shed regularly but since they have short coats they would not be a problem with letting them be on the couch. but just in case i would buy pet hair rollers or fabric sweepers to clean he couch off.12/31/2010 5:52:02 PM

Anonymous

South African Boerboel's are big dogs and they shed a lot. trust me.5/4/2011 12:37:02 AM

Anonymous

Boerboels are less than average shedders, if a boerboel is observed to shed a lot, I will recommend to enhance the diet !5/6/2011 12:56:13 AM

Anonymous

South African Boerboels dont shed much....but you will find your couch covered in loose hairs...also depending on the color of the couch and the dog ..the hairs will be more visible...2/28/2012 7:55:10 AM

Anonymous asked:

12/21/2010 11:29:15 PM

12/21/2010 11:29:15 PM

Are South African Boerboel dogs friendly towards people?

4 Comments

Anonymous

South African boerboels are friendly towards people they know and are with most of the time. Some can be aggressive with strangers and some will just alert you by barking if there is a stranger near by. But it all depends on the dog itself , all dogs have different personalities.12/31/2010 5:49:39 PM

Anonymous

every dog has its own personality. my boerboel did not like strangers. you will know if yours does by the way it behaves. for example, my dog never liked strangers touching her. becareful with this breed because once they decide to go after something it will be very difficult to stop them and especially to pull them of. just a warning for the wise.5/4/2011 12:41:21 AM

Anonymous

It depends, my South African Boerboel barked at passers but when they were inside my yard she was friendly because she saw me with them5/24/2011 3:23:30 PM

Anonymous

Depends on how the South African Boerboel is raised.....In your house they wont let anybody in if you dont allow them in yourself...I get stopped all the time by stranger while walking my ones to pet them...they dont show any aggression but instinctively will put themselves between myself and the strangers at full attention...generally as the conversation continues, they will become more relaxed....and generally people come out of nowhere to pet them because they think they cute.. without realsing that they could get bitten by mistake....2/28/2012 7:59:41 AM

Anonymous asked:

11/11/2010 11:58:09 PM

11/11/2010 11:58:09 PM

Are South African Boerboels good with other dogs?

3 Comments

Anonymous

South African boerboels are very good with other dogs and other animals. The breed itself was not bred to be an aggressive dog towards everything just to unfamiliar things, animals, and people. but are very loyal and protective of its family including animals that its been around.12/31/2010 6:01:02 PM

Anonymous

we like to humanize everything. a boerboel is a dog, not a human. becareful with this breed because they are extremely powerful. never forget that they are an animal treat them with care and respect their capability. never leave this dog with children alone. 5/4/2011 12:46:16 AM

Anonymous

Both of my Boerboel females are excellent with children - brought my granddaughter home from hospital, when she moved in the crib or made any type of noise, my indoor female would run to the room I was in, hit me with her paw and run back to the baby's room. Didn't need a baby monitor with her around - she never left her side. As she grew - no one could come close to the yard with out her standing in front of the child guarding her from the strangers.10/5/2011 12:01:30 AM

Anonymous asked:

11/11/2010 1:11:48 PM

11/11/2010 1:11:48 PM

How long do South African Boerboels live?

3 Comments

Anonymous

South African Boerboels live 10-14 years.12/31/2010 8:23:29 AM

Anonymous

South African Boerboels can live to anywhere between 6-12 years as long as you provide the appropriate care and veterinary or health care.12/31/2010 6:10:42 PM

Anonymous

exactly 10-14 years10/19/2011 6:55:34 PM

Anonymous asked:

9/29/2010 12:48:53 PM

9/29/2010 12:48:53 PM

Are South African Boerboel's ok to be home for about 8-10 hours while at work?

1 Comment

Anonymous

i would say yes but only if you have a secure fence and a dog house or some type of shelter to protect your South African Boerboel from the weather. If you keep it inside to make sure the doors and windows are securely shut and anything that could harm the animal is put up.12/31/2010 6:06:36 PM

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